5.0 out of 5 stars Great show...

Y.P. · 3 January 2008

For starters, The Equalizer was a great show. It's also one of my favourites. This DVD release is very much anticipated, not least by myself as my VHS recordings (from when it was repeated on ITV in the very early 90s) are wearing out. I've ordered Season 1 as a pre-release, and eagerly awaiting it's release day.So, why do I think it was such a great show? The show's main premise, of a semi-retired ex-intelligence officer (called Robert McCall) who hires his `services' to ordinary people, was a great starting point. This provided a refreshingly different take on the usual run-of-the-mill cop shows. It led to some fantastic stories, with far more variety than the more usual cop-hunts-bad-guy routines. It ran for 4 seasons - hopefully they will all be released on DVD in due time.The show tackled some taboo issues well before any other show dare - there are episodes on HIV, child abuse (both physical and sexual), baby kidnapping, rape, deafness, blindness, learning difficulties and gun control. In fact, no other show has ever tackled some of these subjects, even since. This is along with episodes where McCall takes on the mafia, muggers, drug gangs, street gangs, Russian spies (remember the cold war was still on in 1985-87), a variety of hitmen, corporate bad guys, evil landlords, rogue ex-intelligence agents, bad cops, pimps, dodgy lawyers, peeping toms, ex special service soldiers, arms dealers, etc. In one episode he's hired to deal with a classroom of rowdy kids. In another he gets set up and is arrested for murder, but is then broken out of jail by his agency friends. Often, the main plot line is augmented with another interesting touches - in one episode McCall had flu, in another he'd already been shot and was still hobbling around, while in another his kitchen was taken apart by an inept repair man, which he then tried to deal with whilst rescuing a family from a hit-man. There are very few car chases - which says something in its own right.Of importance was how McCall dealt with the situations. He planned his responses - never went in blasting (unlike many cop shows). In short, McCall was a thinking man's good guy, but there is also violence in this show - sometimes subtle, sometimes very direct - and sometimes more than you see in today's shows, with McCall quite blatantly beating or killing people. But the violence was always well used, never over done - and in more than one episode he speaks of his regrets and his disliking for some of the things he's had to do.Other characters also played a major part in the show. McCall was certainly no one-man band. He knew lots of people whom he could call upon. His main sidekick was Mickey Kostmeyer (a much younger man still working for the same agency that McCall used to) but others usually joined in. The detail added by the other characters provided an nice extra dimension to the episodes. Indeed, you could quite easily imagine these characters each having a show of their own - the character expansion and depth was that good.My favourite episode (`Dead Drop' in Season 1) sees all of McCall's friends helping a man who has been caught up in a dodgy distribution network. This particular episode is quite wonderful - it's very well written, funny and the interplay between the various characters is teased out with superb effect.Despite some of the darker plot lines, humour was also present, with some banter between the characters. Various references to other TV shows and movies were also made. The shooting locations in and around New York City were excellently chosen. The cinematography and camera work was also brilliant. Attention to detail was fantastic. The accompanying musical score and theme tune was unique and brilliantly employed (composed by Stuart Copeland, of The Police fame). Edward Woodward's wonderful acting skills are demonstrated to the full, as was the skills of other cast members. The high production values are very apparent. I could simply go on and on.The Equalizer can rightly be compared with the best shows of today - it stands up excellently, even now, more than 23 years later.So again, just why do I think it was such a great show? Simple answer - it worked. Everything came together so sweetly. It's very rare for this to happen in a 45 minute TV show, but in The Equalizer, it happened in every episode.UPDATE - 23 April 2008...Having just received this, after pre-ordered for 4 months (!) - I'm disappointed with the picture quality. The episodes are great, but some of the picture quality is poor, in fact my 18 year old VHS recordings from ITV are better !! Some scenes are very grainy (much worse than my VHS tapes), there is evidence of some over-compression, and some of the colour is washed out in some scenes. There are no extras. Although I am a fan of the series, I think I'll be keeping my VHS copies!

5.0 out of 5 stars Very high quality show.

M. · 22 July 2010

There are many shows out there, some more known than others. Some are certainly much more heard of than The Equalizer. So, why pick this one up?Well, to put it short, this show is smart.Robert McCall is a self-retired operative of "The Agency". He left because of all the suffering and killing he caused, believing he was doing good for the people (he actually was, most of the time). Deciding that on his own he would help more people and cause less harm, he walked out. Now he works for little pay to protect the lives of those who are not in position to help themselves. In New York, of all places.Let's start with saying that Robert is not a simple one-sided "good cop" character. He lived for quite some time, did a lot, seen a lot. He has flaws, and his character is rich. And he has a piano, on which he plays from time to time. His grown up son and his ex-wife play a large role in several episodes, mainly to show that he doesn't only care for his job. He also has many friends and contacts, which he often calls for help if the going gets really tough. His clients are not simple, and they can be anyone of any age or gender. Robert does not only rescue "damsels in distress". Young boys and 30-something men need help quite frequently. The "bad guys" are also well done, being corrupt businessmen, serial killers, VERY stupid teenagers... and sometimes even women.The acting is top-notch, as is the cinematography. The picture quality is quite good for a TV show from the 80's. The action scenes are professionally done, and the violence (where without it?) is not held back, making 15+ rating quite reasonable. There is some good fighting and... at least one death per episode (almost every one). The gunfights look like they were choreographed by someone who knew the thing.The music was composed by ex-drummer of The Police, and it suits the show extremely well, capturing action, suspense and even occasional romance.The only downside is that there aren't any extras on this DVD set. And there are no subtitles either. But on the other hand, PAL release is completely unedited, while Reg. 1 release has many musical changes and has poorly mixed sound. If you are buying the European release, you are getting the best deal out of the 2.So, with all that being said, why not buy yourself some good action/crime series to watch in the evening?

4.0 out of 5 stars Superb show

C. · 1 August 2025

Fantastic start to a brilliant remake of a classic show with plenty of action

5.0 out of 5 stars What has gone on with modern TV?!!!!

J.&.I. · 30 April 2014

I have only recently bought The Equalizer, being informed from my very very reliable Dad that this is a series I'd like, as he did back when this show first aired on ITV, and boy was he right or what. Few series have started as well as this series did, so far I've yet to find even a slightly weak episode. Edward Woodward is superb as Robert McCall, and its cool to see a slightly older guy in the role of the tough man with a good heart in him battling all sorts of things this modern world is rife with. Many of the themes of the series are so much reality, and pretty hard hitting too at that. I first bought season three, then four and now this first season. I've seen quite a few reviews of the first season, and heard quite a few people saying that it was season two where the show truly found its feet: not so, not so in any sense of the word. There's so much brilliant writing in this first season. First class acting too.The Pilot Episode is impressive. I love the way McCall says Hello to many of the plethora of loonies in this series. There are plenty of highlights aside from the pilot, mine have to be "Lady Cop" and "Back Home" and "Reign Of Terror" but every minute of the first season is taught, gritty and engaging. Modern shows aren't made solid and beefy like this any more, that's for sure. What is also good about the show is the bad language is minimalist. These modern films are over endowed with too much sick gob, as I'm a person who can get by without it. Dad, you were so right, thanks for the letting me know. This show is already one of my favourites ever....

McCall : Son of Callan

F. · 26 August 2018

Edward Woodward, best known in the UK at least for his role as Callan, a disenchanted British government hit man, in the eponymous cynical drama, is excellent as a....well, disenchanted hit man. The difference is, this time he has been working for an American agency, and lives in some style in New York, and not a seedy London flat. Clearly, espionage pays better in the USA - as, indeed, most things do. Also, McCall is determined to redeem himself by becoming a knight in shining armour for hire, sorting out assorted villains and low-lifes, the maggots that feed off the Big Apple. And a good job he does of it, too ! Woodward is excellent, the scripts strong, and the supporting casts often feature established veterans and up and coming stars. Quality television.

Der Equalizer

F.K. · 9 May 2013

Der Equalizer – Der Schutzengel von New York (The Equalizer) ist eine US-amerikanische Fernsehserie.Die Krimiserie umfasst 88 Folgen mit je 45 Minuten und wurde von CBS von 1985 bis 1989 produziert und ausgestrahlt. In Deutschland wurde die Serie von 1987 bis 1989 auf RTL gesendet. Hauptperson ist der ehemalige CIA-Agent Robert McCall (Edward Woodward), der sich gezielt an verzweifelte Menschen in Notsituationen wendet, ihnen Hilfe und Schutz anbietet und für seine Auftraggeber wieder Gerechtigkeit herstellt. Robert McCall ist kein draufgängerischer Superheld, sondern eher ein introvertierter zurückhaltender Typ, der in der Serie oft in seiner Jaguar-Limousine (XJ-6) zu sehen ist.1987 erhielt Edward Woodward den Golden Globe als Bester Serien-Hauptdarsteller – Drama.Das Hauptmusikthema der Serie stammt von Stewart Copeland, Mitglied der Gruppe The Police.

Odds Are You'll Like The Equalizer

w. · 2 February 2014

I was a huge fan of The Equalizer when it originally aired in the 80's and I still find it a great show to watch. The series centers around ex-special agent Robert McCall. McCall is weary of the treacherous nature of the espionage business and decides to offer his services to average people in trouble who need the odds equalized. McCall puts an ad in a paper. As he assists the average New Yorker, he also has to deal with the local authoraties and former colleagues, some of whom he is out of favor with due to his defection from his career.The first episode has a commentary option from producer creator Jon Sloan. I'm usually not much for dvd commentaries, but I enjoyed the insights in this one - behind the scenes facts of filming the show in New York City and the fact that the network really wanted Robert Loggia or Robert Culp to portray McCall.I really can't think of another actor as The Equalizer. Woodward gives McCall a charisma. McCall is an agent that is damn good at what he does but far from infallible. There's a human element quite present in McCall as he attempts to mend his relationship with his son who resents a formerly absent father.I've enjoyed a lot of Edward Woodward's roles - he was great in the Australian movie, Breaker Morant. Woodward deserves a lot of credit, he is the show's sole star throughtout the series run. There are many memorable re-occuring characters. While I would classify the show as a drama, there certainly are elements of action and suspense throughout the episodes.The show makes great use of New York as a back drop. The city exudes urban paranoia as well as a sense of the wonderful perks of life in the big city.Another plus in the mix of The Equalizer is its soundtrack from former Police band member Stewart Copeland. The music is a thriving force within the show, adding an edge of excitement and mood.I distinctly remember my enthusiasim at the start of each new show, commencing with the series' memorable theme and opening montage of scenes. Watching the dvds, I still get that excitement!

gotta problem? odds against you? buy the equalizer!

m.q. · 4 March 2013

the equalizer ist ein super serie aus den goldenen achtziger jahren des us fernsehens.edward woodward spielt den equalizer robert mccall.man muß sich die serie wie the a-team vorstellen, bloß mit richtigen schauspielern und sehr guten drehbüchern.die erste season besteht aus 22 episoden mit einer gesamtlaufzeit von 17 stunden.leider gibt es keine extras, auch keine untertitel.wer sich gerne serien in der englischen origianalfassung ansieht hat wenig bis keine probleme mit den dialogen.die 22 episoden sind auf 6 dvds verteilt und kommen in einer platzsparenden dvd box (größe wie bei normalen spielfilmen).

The old equalizer

A. · 19 June 2025

Watched a long time ago when it came on TV. Still good as ever.